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The science and the art of tones, or musical sounds, i.e., sounds of higher or lower pitch, begotten of uniform and synchronous vibrations, as of a string at various degrees of tension; the science of harmonical tones which treats of the principles of harmony, or the properties, dependences, and relations of tones to e…

et arias, duets, etc., the music being determined throughout by dramatic appropriateness; musical drama of this character, in general. It involves the use of a kind of melodious declamation, the development of leitmotif, great orchestral elaboration, and a fusion of poetry, music, action, and scene into an organic whol…

A place for public musical entertainments; specif. (Eng.), esp. a public hall for vaudeville performances, in which smoking and drinking are usually allowed in the auditorium.

One skilled in the art or science of music; esp., a skilled singer, or performer on a musical instrument.

onal anthem, a popular song or hymn which has become by general acceptance the recognized musical expression of the patriotic sentiment of a nation; as, "God save the King" is called the national anthem of England. -- National bank, the official common name of a class of banking corporations established under the laws…

A musical sound; a tone; an utterance; a tune.

Consisting of poetic numbers; rhythmical; measured and counted; melodious; musical. [Obs.] Such prompt eloquence Flowed from their lips, in prose or numerous verse. Milton. -- Nu"mer*ous*ly, adv. -- Nu"mer*ous*ness, n.

f the public, and contended for prizes; -- hence, in modern usage, the name of a hall for musical or dramatic performances.

The score of a musical drama, either written or in print; a play set to music.

A short, light, musical drama.

A work; specif. (Mus.), a musical composition.

llow and black. The European or golden oriole (Oriolus galbula, or O. oriolus) has a very musical flutelike note.

Characterized by fullness, clearness, strength, and smoothness; ringing and musical; -- said of the voice or manner of utterance. -- n.

Singing birds; a group of the Passeres, having numerous syringeal muscles, conferring musical ability.

rument, consisting of a series of short hollow reeds or pipes, graduated in length by the musical scale, and fastened together side by side; a syrinx; a mouth organ; -- said to have been invented by Pan. Called also Pan's pipes and Panpipes.

An ancient musical instrument, of the lute kind; a bandore. [Written also pandoran.]

ortion constituting a part of something continuous; esp., a portion of a book, speech, or musical composition; a paragraph; a clause. How commentators each dark passage shun. Young.

One of the pins of a musical instrument, on which the strings are strained. Shak.

self in any business; esp., to represent sometimes by action; to act a part; to play on a musical instrument; as, the players perform poorly; the musician performs on the organ.

an elaborate or public character. "Her walking and other actual performances." Shak. "His musical performances." Macaulay.